Here Are 5 Exciting Ways to Spend a Day at Lake Leatherwood Park

Occupying 1,600 acres of pristine Ozark countryside, Lake Leatherwood Park offers ample opportunity to explore the great outdoors. Whether you take to the water, ride a bike over the expanse, or tread it on foot, here are some of the ways to discover Lake Leatherwood Park.

Both Lake Leatherwood Park and Lake Leatherwood Dam are on the National Register of Historic Places. The dam is a hand-cut limestone-faced structure—one of the largest of its kind in America. Lake Leatherwood Park is completely free to visit, so the next time you have a free day and the weather is pleasant, head on over to enjoy the following activities!

GO ON A HIKE

Bring a sturdy pair of shoes, plenty of water, and traverse the miles of trails at Lake Leatherwood Park! With trails that vary and terrain, and some that only take a half-hour to hike and others that can take up to two hours, there is something for all levels of hikers. For a complete listing of the Lake Leatherwood trails, take a look at the trail map.

If you’d like to stroll along and take in the wildlife and seasonal vegetation, try the Mulladay Hollow Trail. For those seeking more of a challenge, the Twin Knobs Trail offers the most physically challenging route. The Beacham Trail circles the entirety of Lake Leatherwood, passing along interesting landmarks like the Lake Leatherwood Dam along the way. If you’re visiting during a time when the weather is particularly pleasant, bring a picnic with you and hike the Fuller Trail! It hugs Lake Leatherwood and leads to The Point, which is a great picnic spot at a vantage point that offers a view of Lake Leatherwood Dam.

GO MOUNTAIN BIKING

Many of the hiking trails at Lake Leatherwood can be utilized via mountain bike, though some are easier to traverse than others. Leatherwood Trail is mostly flat, making it ideal for beginning cyclists. Miner’s Rock Trail is popular with local mountain bikers. A long steep hill leads to benches beneath beautiful rocky bluffs, ending ultimately in the unique geological formation called Miner’s Rock.

TAKE A DIP

Make use of the diving platform or simply enjoy the water at Lake Leatherwood’s sandy-bottomed swimming area. As you float in the lake, take in the views of the cattails, water lilies, and surrounding rugged beauty of the Ozarks.

CAST A LINE

Try your hand at catching some fresh fish for dinner! Cast your line from the dock, a boat, or the bank. Secluded inlets hold promises of big fish lurking in the depths, but there are plenty out in the open, too. You’ll find bluegill, crappie, bream, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and channel catfish in the waters of Lake Leatherwood. If you’re 16 or older, you’ll need an Arkansas fishing license to fish at Lake Leatherwood.

EXPLORE THE WATERS

Paddle across the 85-acres of the spring-fed lake in a kayak, boat, canoe, or paddle board. The pristine waters are flanked by a forest of lush hardwood trees that rise on either side, imparting a clean feel to the air. Lake Leatherwood Park offers rentals for every type of vessel allowed on its surface, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own.

When you stay in a Beaver Lake Cottage, you can enjoy hiking trails just steps away from your door. Walking trails traverse our 10-acre property, taking you past beautiful trees and exposed rock face. You’re also likely to catch glimpses of local wildlife, including shy deer and fluttering birds. Even when you are relaxing inside your cottage, nature won’t be far away. Our glass-front cottages afford picturesque views of Beaver Lake and the surrounding scenery, and each has a private deck where you can relax. In the evenings, you can gaze up and see thousands of stars in the clear night sky.

Stay in a suite, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom cottage. Regardless of which you choose, each features luxurious amenities like king-sized beds and spectacular views of Beaver Lake. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind lodging in Eureka Springs, you’ll find it at Beaver Lake Cottages!